The Laugavegur Trek - LITE

Itinerary

• Day 1

  WELCOME TO ICELAND

  Welcome to Iceland! We will meet you at our hotel in the capital city. Enjoy an evening to explore Reykjavik at your leisure. Why not join a walking tour of the city, visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja, or perhaps try some authentic Icelandic foods such as fermented shark at Cafe Loki (other food options available!) A pre-trek briefing will be held this evening at your hotel.

  • Accomodation: Hotel
• Day 2

  LANDMANNALAUGAR

  This morning we head to the multi coloured massif of Landmannalaugar in the heart of the beautiful Fjallabak Nature Reserve. We travel 120 miles using a local bus, passing through outstanding scenery and native settlements. Make sure to keep an eye out for the Icelandic horses that arrived with the first Norwegian settlers 1100 years ago! On arrival we follow the famous Dómadalur route and stop to marvel at Hekla, one of Icelands most active volcanoes. After we have set up camp, depending on the conditions, we can walk to Ljótipollur or climb Bláhnúkur. Ljótipollur means 'ugly puddle' but contrary to its name it is a stunning crater lake famous for its bright colours and visable lava layers. Bláhnúkur translates as 'blue peak' and is an impressive volcano with views of five glaciers from the summit in good conditions. This evening we can relax and take a swim in Landmannalaugar’s warm river before bed.

  • Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours
  • Ascent: 300 m
  • Descent: 300 m
  • Accomodation: Camping
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day 3

  BRENNISTEINSALDA

  Today is our first full day exploring the extraordinary Landmannalaugar area. A world of active geothermals (prepare yourselves for the sulphuric smells), lava fields and Rhyolite Mountains. Get ready for a day of stunning views as we hike along the base of the mountains, past steaming hot springs. If you listen closely you can even hear the water bubbling below the surface! We will then make an exciting ascent up the Sudurnamur ridge and summit Brennisteinsalda, the most colourful volcano in Iceland. On our descent, we will explore the vast lava fields of Laugahraun and the beautiful Graenagil gorge, before ending the day by swimming in a warm river near our campsite.

  • Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
  • Ascent: 600 m
  • Descent: 600 m
  • Accomodation: Camping
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day 4

  THE LAUGAVEGUR TRAIL

  This will be the first and only day we will be trekking on snow, even in August! We will journey through magnificent, orange streaked, rhyolite mountains and bubbling geysers, traversing the pockets of snow that sit between them. The contrast between rocky ash and stark white snow is a sight to behold! We will then explore the breath taking, glacier-topped volcano of Hrafntinnusker and find ourselves in the heart of its vast collapsed caldera. Here we will have some lunch and take in the 360-degree view of this awe-inspiring landscape. Our hike proceeds to venture down Jökultungur, through a series of small hidden valleys where it is possible to catch glimpses of Iceland's three largest glaciers. Crossing the Grashagakvisl river we then make camp near the stunning Lake Alftavatn.

  • Hiking time: 7 - 8 hours
  • Ascent: 900 m
  • Descent: 950 m
  • Accomodation: Camping
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day 5

  THE EMSTRUR DESERT

  This morning we begin to wander across the Emstrur Desert, which ironically begins with some river crossings. The first is the Bratthalskvisl river so get ready to roll up your trousers, pop your water shoes on and get your feet wet! Several crossings later, via traditional foot bridges or on foot, we then continue through the vast landscape of black sand. The ashen terrain is periodically interrupted by impressive, bright green, conical mountains. These lonely, imposing peaks jump out of their monochrome surroundings creating truly unique scenery. We will explore the impressive Hattafell cone before arriving at our campsite in a small valley tucked away in the beautiful Icelandic wilderness. Choose your hilly spot and pitch your tent for the night.

  • Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
  • Ascent: 300 m
  • Descent: 300 m
  • Accomodation: Camping
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day 6

  THORSMöRK VALLEY

  A stone's throw from Emstrur, we will begin today with a visit to the impressive Markarfljót canyon, whose rapids roar from 200m below! The path then runs along this immense gorge, adorned with basalt columns, for a while before continuing South towards Thorsmök. Little by little, the landscape softens and takes on the appearance of an alpine arena. In the midst of arctic birches and birdsong we reach the pleasant valley of Thorsmörk, meaning ‘The woods of Thor’, at the foot of the Krossa river. This is where we will camp for the night.

  • Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
  • Ascent: 500 m
  • Descent: 700 m
  • Accomodation: Camping
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day 7

  REYKJAVIK

  On our final trekking day, we will begin in the surreal setting of "The woods of Thor" and wander through unrivalled scenery. From black canyons streaked with fluorescent green to the volcanic landscape sculpted by the wind and the spray, the steel-coloured rivers and the sparkling ice cap of Myrdallsjökull, will once again have you amazed. As evening begins to fall, we will then load the bus to return to ‘civilization’ in Reykjavik.
  On arrival back in Reykjavik, you will say goodbye to the group and continue on your onwards travel.

  • Hiking time: 4 hours
  • Ascent: 200 m
  • Descent: 200 m
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
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See the map